March 17, 2020
Ottawa-Earlier today, Premier Doug Ford declared state of emergency for the province of Ontario amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
The following measures will be effective immediately:
- Organized events greater of 50 people banned, including places of worship, recreation centres, concert venues and movie theatres until March 31
- All public places closed, including recreation centres, public libraries, private schools, childcare facilities, all restaurants, except for take out or delivery services
- Essential services, needs, pharmacies, public transit services and grocery stores to remain open
- Emergency relief fund of $300 million to be put in place for “immediate” measures
- 25 extra COVID-19 assessment centres to open in the province
- More medical supplies and services to be delivered
- Fifty physicians to be assigned urgent and primary care in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and northern locations
Doug Ford has also asked for immediate EI reform to have it expanded to include all workers.
COVID-19 was described as a “danger of major proportions” by Premier Ford. As a result, UNE is asking members who live in Ontario to closely follow further developments by the provincial government and to also follow directions from the federal government and from their respective provincial and territorial jurisdictions.
We are still following the Public Health Agency of Canada and swiftly changing safety protocols for the Union.
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For more information, contact:
Aurélie McDonald
Communications and Research Officer
Cell: 613-298-7892 Email: aureliemcdonald@une-sen.org